Packager

Packager

Salary Range: 17.50 To 18.00 (USD) Annually

Department:  Packaging                                                                              

Reports To:  Packaging Supervisor/Lead

Job Status:  Hourly                                                                                        

Work Schedule:  Monday through Friday, some Saturdays as dictated by production. 
  
POSITION:  
The Packaging worker is an important part of the creamery’s team in the cheese cutting, preparing and sanitation area of the cheese production.  This person will be working in a team environment or independently, depending on the variety of tasks and jobs that need to be performed and achieve the results of a quality product in a timely and effective manner. 

 DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITES:

The Packaging worker may execute a wide variety of tasks, depending upon the project or needed outcome daily.  Job duties may include basic duties such opening packaged cheese, cutting, labeling, bagging, and boxing. The sanitation part of the position includes overseeing all housekeeping and sanitation tasks, as well as daily cleanup responsibilities.  Staff is expected to actively adhere to, and support food safety and product quality programs set in place by management (i.e. GMPs, HACCP, quality, and sanitation standards) to ensure a high degree of quality and safe product. Will also actively participate and support the company’s EHS (Environment Health and Safety).    

 SKILLS & RESPONSIBILITES:

• Ensures consistent product quality, troubleshoot packaging equipment problems, and inspect final products for defects. 
• Ensure packaging lines stay within acceptable timelines.
• Be trained in and retain operation on cleaning procedures, including shut down and disassembly, sanitation of the machines and reassembly before next production run.
• Follows all safety and Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) policies.
• Helps maintain a safe and orderly environment in the production area.
• Must be flexible enough to embrace change and ask questions when needed.
• Actively develop problem-solving skills.
• Must be a team player and able to work well with others, but also able to work independently and productively with a timely outcome.  Be persistent and hardworking while maintaining a positive attitude and environment. 
• Embrace and support the plant’s safety programs and policies to insure a safe, hazard-free working environment for all employees. 
• Adhere to company policies and legal guidelines and procedures in the areas of the overall Packaging and Production Departments, Human Resources, Food Safety and Quality Assurance.
• Is in proper dress code and PPE and GMP practices, shares any follow up conversation to Line Leads.
• Is a role model. Does not lead to gossip or improper conversations of a team player.

POSITION REQUIREMENTS

• Must have excellent communication skills and be able to work in a fast-paced environment.
• The employee is required to use hands and fingers to operate, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls and reach with hands and arms on a repetitive basis.
• Have manual dexterity to operate a telephone.
• The employee will be required to operate a computer and keyboard.
• The employee must be able to push/pull up to 100 pounds occasionally, lift up to 50 pounds frequently, and up to 30 pounds constantly.
• Requires visual acuity to review written documentations; ability to hear and understand speech.
• Must be in good physical condition: able to bend, lift, twist, move, stand and/or walk through entire shift.  Must be able to perform repetitive tasks that often involve good dexterity, using the wrists, arms, or hands.
• Must be punctual and reliable.
• High school diploma preferred.
• Must be able to read, write and understand English.
• Due to the product, the packaging environment on the average is 50 degrees; production area is 70 degrees; warehouse area is 32-40 degrees.
• There is sufficient noise to cause the worker to shout in order to be heard above the ambient noise level.
• There is exposure to a variety of physical conditions such as proximity to moving mechanical parts, electrical current, and exposure to heat/cold temperature changes.
• Smocks, aprons, gloves, hairnets, over the shoe boots and protective gear is provided. 
• The dress code is casual, dress in layers.  Strong durable athletic shoes or work boots preferred. No open shoes, shorts, crop pants or torn jeans of any kind permitted.
• No earrings, rings, bracelets, or face jewelry of any kind. No Phones.

Disclaimer: Responsibilities and tasks outlined in this document are not exhaustive and may change as determined by the needs of the company.

Prairie Farms is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law